Downtown Brookfield

From the roar of lions occasionally heard by students at nearby Riverside-Brookfield High School to tales of polar bears escaping during a 1969 flood, the identity of Brookfield is attached to its world-famous zoo. But sparked by the growing number of commuters who live in the village and who use the Brookfield Metra stop (which is one stop after the Hollywood/Zoo stop), downtown Brookfield is experiencing a bit of a development renaissance.

Sitting at the intersection of seven streets, which are sliced in half by the tracks, a new condominium tower is flanked by gyms, a cleaner, a clothing resale shop, a day-care center and dentist's offices. But the eateries, taverns, and gourmet confectioner that have emerged alongside the train station define the true flair of the neighborhood.

Loca Mocha Cafe
8836 Brookfield
(708) 485-7990

This gourmet coffee shop offers sugary caffeination at a reasonable price. Just steps across the tracks from the Metra stop, making it a snap for sweet-toothed commuters to start their day in style, owner Maria Verduzco has created a coffee menu specializing in mochas. Big sellers include the turtle latte and the Snickers latte. With 16-ounce servings costing $3.25, commuters can have enough left over to buy a bagel or Rice Krispie treat.

Hours: 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Friday; 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday; 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.

Irish Times
8869 Burlington
(708) 485-8787

With pictures of old Ireland on the walls and the brogues that fall from the lips of servers, this is as close as you'll get to the Emerald Isle in Brookfield. Packed on weekend nights by young professionals and settled couples, the draw here is more the fish and chips than the potential hook-up. In the warm months, a beer garden opens behind the Times.

Hours: 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Monday-Thursday and Sunday; 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

Cock Robin Fountain and Grill
8861 Burlington
(708) 485-7504

Since 1931, this ice cream and burger joint has been serving quick bites to Little Leaguers and commuters alike. A classic soda fountain establishment specializing in hamburgers and ice-cold soda, Cock Robin is the place to go if you're hungry and in hurry to catch your train. Winter revelers, are out of luck, because as with any self-respecting bird, Cock Robin is all about spring, summer and fall.

Hours: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily (closed in winter).

Phil's Sports Bar and Grill
8901 Burlington
(708) 485-9528

Filled with the mirrors and signs of good ol' domestic brews, floored in linoleum, equipped with a few pool tables and lined with televisions, Phil's is an old-school bar. It's a place for guys and gals who like their beer, their smokes, their Chicago sports and who know their classic rock.

Hours: 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday-Saturday; noon to 2 a.m. Sunday.

Grand Central Bar and Grill
3733 N. Grand
(708) 485-9900

One of the newer arrivals in the area, Grand Central owner Jeff McCollian says he wanted to open a spot with a casual vibe. The menu is comfort food all the way: macaroni and cheese, meatloaf, a pulled-pork sandwich and chicken wings. The prices are comfortable as well, with most of the menu coming in under $10 and topping out at $15.95 for a 10-ounce ribeye. For those wanting to catch a game, a 42-inch plasma TV hangs over the bar, and smaller televisions line the restaurant.

Hours: 3 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Monday-Thursday; 3 p.m. to 3:30 a.m. Friday; 11 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. Saturday; noon to 1:30 a.m. Sunday.

Lilett Candies
3808 Sunnyside
(708) 387-2525
www.lilett.com

Located in an old newspaper distribution building, the best way to find Lilett is to look just past the dentist's office for the raspberry and lime awning. Specializing in English toffee (and caramel apples in the fall), Lilett also offers delights like truffles, fudge and a particularly tempting item called the macadamia paw. Karen Crane Gula, a former downtown banker whose candy-making hobby helped her evolve into a purveyor of handmade gourmet confections, owns the chocolatier. Almost all of candies are made on site. The best part -- samples are available.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

David Jakubiak is a local free-lance writer.